1. THIRTEEN MOONS ON A TURTLE S BACK 2. creation stories 3. the basics 4. Turtle needs 5. MISKWAADESI S NEIGHBOURS AND FRIENDS the fifth challenge walking with miskwaadesi
the fifth challenge MISKWAADESI S NEIGHBOURS AND FRIENDS Who are Miskwaadesi s friends and neighbours in a wetland? How are the plants and animals in a wetland connected? How do our clan names relate to Miskwaadesi and life in a wetland? Can you construct a web of life to illustrate a wetland? What does a turtle need to thrive and survive? My 5th challenge to you is to find out who are my friends and neighbours in the waters and watersheds? All the animals and plants are woven together in the web of life and I need all of them if I am to be healthy and well. How are all the plants and animals related? Miskwaadesi s 5th challenge. 130
Expectations Practicing the Learning Following the footsteps Title of Activity Ontario Curriculum Expectation Worksheet Who s Who in my Wetland Welcome to my Neighbourhood We re all in this Together 4s12, 4s15 Card Game 4s14, 4s15 Card Game 4s20, 4s15, 4s10 Card Game Demonstrating the learning making our own footsteps Title of Activity Ontario Curriculum Expectation Worksheet Wetland Web of Life 4s8, 4a43, 4a40 Sculpting a web of life Daily Life in a Wetland 4s15, 4a43, 4a55, 4a43 Living Diorama Journal Reflection 4s10 Writing One step more (individual student optional adventures in learning) 1. Sculpt a Critter 2. Wetland Poster word wall: Anishinaabe, moose, deer, caribou, elk, marten, beaver, muskrat, porcupine, raccoon, rabbit, mink, fox, bullhead, fish, snapping turtle, mud turtle, painted turtle, snake, rattlesnake, frog, otter, merman, catfish, whitefish, sucker, sturgeon, pike, crab, bear, lynx, wolf, crane, thunderbird, hawk, bald eagle, golden eagle, sparrow hawk, black hawk, pintail, wild goose, turkey, loon, black duck, gull, snipe, pelican, kingfisher, crow, raven, heron, grouse, Haudenosaunee, eel, snipe, beaver, heron, hawk, biodiversity 131
Links to other curriculum 5 th Challenge Ways of Knowing Guide Relationship Interdependent Relations pg 46 http://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/stewardship_guide.pdf TURTLE CURRICULUM Activity 12 A Link in the Chain http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/turtlecurriculum.asp 132
Resources Wetland Ecosystems 1 - Teacher and student lesson plans and marsh habitat cutouts - (downloadable) or order from Ducks Unlimited 1-800-665-3825 http://www.ducks.ca/cgibin/www.cgi?tp=is&pg=spw048x&ab =1&kp=1102 http://www.ducks.ca/resource/general/naturenotes/index.html Nature Notes on wetland creatures - ducks unlimited site - click on individual species http://www.epa.state.il.us/kids/fun-stuff/water-cycle/ Excellent activity - water cycle - why a wetland is important; free and downloadable http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?pid=0&id=233&cid=2 Hinterland Who s Who - description of wetlands and of many animals and plants that can be found there http://www.ducks.ca/resource/general/ naturenotes/audio/marsha.wav 1.8 Minute Marsh Sounds http://www.ducks.ca/resource/general/naturenotes/index.html Ducks Unlimited - Description and pictures of wetland residents http://www.ducks.ca/resource/teachers/ lesson_plans/element.html Teacher and student lesson plans about wetlands (downloadable) http://www.ittacollection.ca Lesson plans and ideas for making masks. http://www.artlex.com/ed/maskmaking.html Maskmaking Ideas 133
KOKOM ANNIE S JOURNAL habitat My 5th challenge to you is to find out who are my friends and neighbours in the waters and watersheds? All the animals and plants are woven together in the web of life and I need all of them if I am to be healthy and well. How are all the plants and animals related? Hmmm - who are Miskwaadesi s neighbours and friends in the wetland? There are so many and they all play a significant role in the community of life that supports Miskwaadesi. I remember what my Nokom and my aunties said about how things are connected My girl they would say while we sat together and worked on some sewing or beading - We understand that every life form, no matter how small or large, has needs for nutrients (food), water, shelter, and space and these needs are met by other life forms. As well, each life form itself serves as a nutrient, source of water, shelter, or space for other living things. All things exist within a web of interdependence. If the web is changed in any way, all things will be affected in some way. Through careful observation and by living within this web over many thousands of generations, our People have come to understand some of the complexities and delicate balances that are necessary for life to continue in balance. It is all part of our traditional knowledge that has been passed down from one generation to the next. 134
We understand that the sun provides the energy that all life forms need, either directly or indirectly. We understand photosynthesis - the process by which the energy from the sun is turned into food for the plant, but that is not what we call it. We understand that some animals and birds get their energy from the sun by eating plants (science today calls these animals herbivores), while other animals get their energy by eating animals (science today calls these animals carnivores) and still other animals eat both plants and animals to get their energy (science today calls these animals omnivores). We understand that our clans all reflect animals that are dependent upon wetlands and that are interconnected. We understand that our clans have special responsibilities based on their animal totem and that our communities function best when the clans work together for the health (betterment) of all. We can identify various food chains and we understood how these chains work together to make a complex web of life. These understandings are thousands of years old and to Our People, they are very important. The Anishinaabe Nations are divided into clan groupings. Each clan has special characteristics and responsibilities to the community and the Nation. Today there are seven clans - crane, loon, fish, bear, hoof, marten, and bird. The crane clan (baswenaazhi group) are the communicators and leaders in matters that affect everyone. The group includes the crane, thunderbird, hawk, bald eagle, the golden eagle. 135
The loon clan members are the communicators and leaders within the community. Clan members also include the sparrowhawk (kestrel) and the black hawk. The fish clan (wawaazisii group) are the teachers and healers. In the old days the fish clan included the sturgeon, bullhead, snapping turtle, mud turtle, painted turtle, snake, black snake, rattle snake, frog, otter, merman, catfish, whitefish, sucker, pike and crab clans. The bear clan (nooke group) are the defenders and the healers. The members include bear, lynx and wolf clans. The hoof clan (moozwaanowe group) are the hunters, scouts and gatherers of food and include the moose, deer, caribou in the north, elk, stag, beaver, muskrat, porcupine, raccoon, rabbit. The marten clan are the protectors (warriors) and the providers. The clans include the mink, and fox. The bird clan (aanaawenh group) are the communicators within the council fire of the community. The clans include the wild goose, pintail duck, turkey, black duck, gull, snipe, heron, pelican, kingfisher, crow, raven and grouse. 136
My friend Jan from Tyendinega explained to me that the Haudenosaunee People also are divided into clan groupings. Each nation has a clan to represent the earth; one for the water; and one for the air. Each clan sits together in the longhouse for ceremony and in the larger communities, each clan has their own longhouse. The Mohawk Nation has three clans - bear, turtle, and wolf. The Oneida Nation has three clans - wolf, bear, and turtle. The Tuscarora Nation has seven clans - wolf, bear, turtle, snipe, deer, beaver, eel The Onondaga Nation has eight clans - wolf, bear, turtle, snipe, deer, beaver, hawk, eel. The Cayuga Nation has five clans - wolf bear, turtle, snipe and heron. The Seneca Nation has eight clans - wolf, deer, turtle, snipe, deer, beaver, heron, hawk. Our clans are important, and our clan animals all depend upon wetlands for their life. If we can help Miskwaadesi and her clan cousins we will also be helping all of the clan animals that depend upon the wetland for food, water, shelter, and space. 137
teacher background Students play a game of 20 questions using the wetland cards, improving and practicing their good listening and questioning skills. Students play an active game, with cards taped to their backs. By careful questioning they determine which animal or plant they are in a wetland habitat/ecosystem and they then join together to form simple habitat components Students play an outdoor game, gathering up names of members of a wetland food chain as they develop an understanding of the various plants and animals that are dependent upon each other in a wetland habitat. Students review the clans of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee nations and come to understand that the clan animals are all connected to wetlands. Students review what they have learned about wetland habitats by engaging in an activity in which they tie together the plant, animal and elements of the wetland in a web of life. Students make a mask to represent the animal or plant that they are representing in the living diorama. Teacher and students prepare a dialogue to accompany the living diorama and present it to another class. Students complete a reflection in their journal to demonstrate their learning (questions may include - how things in the wetland fit together - how important is each member? What happens when something disappears from the chain?) MATERIALS For Practicing the learning 1 set of game cards showing the animals and plants that live in Miskwaadesi s wetland Ball of string or wool Student worksheets - clan members for Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee For demonstrating the learning Willow or alder branches for bending into hoops Sinew; beading needles Beads Mask Making materials- card stock; coloured paper; glue; feathers; fake fur scraps; etc. a stick or ribbon/string to attach the mask to the student; mural of a background for the wetland - cattails; water; rocks, etc. 138
Some websites teachers may wish to preview for ideas on mask making include: http://www.lttacollection.ca Mask-making - detailed lesson plan from Yukon includes short video clips as illustrations http://www.artlex.com/ed/maskmaking.html Mask-making using plaster bandage material Teachers/leaders are encouraged to read and share Kokom s journal and to discuss the journal entry with the class. The students who know their clan may be encouraged to talk about what it means to be a member of their clan and what their responsibilities are within their community. Make a copy of the Wetland Community Neighbours and Friends found later in the section. Make 2 copies of the descriptions of each neighbor and friend; cut one set out, and attach them to the back of the name card and keep the other set for teacher reference and for the Wetland Buddies (bingo-type) game. The 48 neighbours and friends cards make up a deck of cards to be used in the challenge activities.the deck of cards can be placed in the classroom for students to use at other times as they become familiar with the plants, animals, and elements that make up a healthy wetland ecosystem. 139
Practicing the Learning following the footsteps 1. WHO S WHO IN MY WETLAND? Organize a game of 20 wetland questions with the students - students are invited to guess what animal or plant is represented on a mystery card by asking only yes/no questions. Divide class into 2 teams. Place a card from the Wetland Neighbours and Friends card pack face side down between the teams. Only Miskwaadesi s helper (teacher) knows the name of the plant or animal. The students must guess the identity of the mystery wetland resident. One team begins by asking a yes/no question about the animal/plant. If the answer is yes the next person on the team can ask another question. The game continues until a no answer is received. Then the other team begins to question Miskwaadesi s helper (the teacher). Students are reminded to listen carefully to the questions that are asked so that they do not repeat a question. If the team guesses and they are incorrect, the other team is given a point. If the team guesses incorrectly three times, Miskwaadesi s helper turns the card over for everyone to see and to discuss the mystery guest. The other team automatically wins the round. Miskwaadesi s helper draws another card from the pile and the second round begins. Once students have had an opportunity to see how the game is played, divide the class in to groups of 4-6, with a helper to manage the card pile. The small groups can then play the game. Use the Wetland Neighbours and Friends card game to create a bingo-like game for the class. Provide each student with a square piece of paper divided into 25 squares - 5x5. The middle square is called wetland buddies and is free. Students choose 24 names from the 48 neighbours and friends cards to randomly place on their card. When the student cards have been prepared, the teacher uses the Wetland Neighbours and Friends game cards themselves to call a bingo game. Students mark their cards with small counters as the plants and animal names are called. Those with a bingo must describe each of the neighbours and friends that are part of their bingo line. Teachers can collect the cards and store them to use another time. 140
2. WELCOME TO MY NEIGHBOURHOOD This game encourages students to develop their listening and questioning skills. Use the Wetland Neighbours and Friends card deck with the descriptions on the back. Tape a card to each student s back without telling them what animal or plant they are representing. Students mingle near an imaginary pond or wetland in the classroom, and they try to identify themselves based upon the questions they ask other students about their character card. If a student guesses who he or she is, and they are incorrect, they must go to Miskwaadesi s helper (teacher) and successfully ask two questions before returning to the game. As students guess their identity, they proceed to walk into the imaginary wetland or pond area and they then try to collect at least three other students who they depend upon or who depend upon them for survival in the wetland, creating food webs and chains. Each web or chain must be able to explain their membership to the class at the completion of the activity. The teacher can record the webs and chains that are made. 141
3. WE RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER or DIVERSITY IS WHERE IT S AT! When students have had several opportunities to learn about the members of the wetland community, by playing the games and working with the wetland cards, bring the class together and sit them in a circle. Place the wetland posters in the middle of the circle. Pre-select cards from the Wetland Neighbours and Friends deck so that each student in the class will receive a card (make sure that the sun, wind, water and earth cards are among those chosen). Deal a card to each student in the circle. Students place their cards in front of themselves, face up so that they can be seen by everyone. Each student in turn introduces themselves according to the card they have been given. They will talk about something that depends upon (needs) or something that is similar to them and something that they depend upon in the wetland. They may describe a wetland friend or foe and explain their relationship to him or her. When all students have been introduced, the leader or teacher takes a ball of string or yarn and passes it to a student. The student calls out their name and then calls out the name of another wetland inhabitant and briefly explains their relationship. The ball of string is passed to the person who has been identified. This person looks around the circle and identifies a plant or animal that it is related to in the wetland community and the ball of string is passed to the new member. Eventually all students are connected with the ball of string. 142
The leader or teacher then has the opportunity to discuss how interdependent everything and everyone is- how we all depend upon everything else for our health and wellbeing. The teacher/leader produces a list of questions, such as those that follow for students to reflect upon the questions could be written on the board for student reflection or the students and teacher together could generate a list of What would happen if. Questions for the class to answer. Some possible questions might include the following: What would happen if the minnows were all caught in minnow traps - who would suffer? (The student with the minnow card would be asked to gently tug on their string. Students who receive a tug could put up their hand to identify who is being affected.) What would happen if the wetland is drained to create a new housing development? (The student holding the water piece of the string could tug on their string and students affected could raise their hand to indicate they have been affected.) What would happen if purple loosestrife filled the marsh and the cattails and bulrushes disappeared? (The students holding the cattail and the bulrush ends of the string tug gently on the string. Students affected raise their hands to indicate they have been affected). For each what would happen if question, the teacher/leader asks the class if the affected members of the community could continue to live in the wetland or if they would have to go away. If the member must leave the community, the student can drop their hold on the string, moves backwards one step from the circle and stands up. If the student leaves the community for part of the year, the student slides back one step from the circle and sits up on their heels. When a question is asked about an element- water, air, energy (sun), earth - all those plants and animals affected move backwards or leave the community. Students are given a poster-sized sheet of paper upon which to draw a wetland as a background - plants, water, earth, trees. Students are invited to draw each of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee clan animals within or around the wetland to show how everything depends on wetlands and water for survival. Students illustrate each clan for their Nation using the worksheet provided. 143
DEMONSTRATING THE LEARNING making your own footsteps 1. A Wetland Web of Life Materials Branches of willow or tag alder long enough to make into a small hoop; sinew to attach willow ends together and to weave the web; variety of seed beads Use chart paper - list various members of a wetland community. As a class, choose a seed bead colour for each individual member. You may choose from the list the colours that you will use to create a wetland community web within the willow circle. Start with a piece of willow or alder. Attach the ends of the willow to form a circle to be used in making a wetland community web (similar to a dream catcher). Weave the sinew through the circle to form a web, attaching the seed beads you have chosen. Attach a piece of sinew about 15 cm long at the top of the hoop so that it can be displayed. Now, record the colours of seed beeds that you chose in your journal and beside each colour name the animal or plant that the bead represents. his will help you to describe your wetland community. 144
2. DAILY LIFE IN A WETLAND - A Living Diorama (Drama Presentation) As a class or in a large group, construct a background mural of a wetland showing trees, water, rocks, floating logs, water plants. This will serve as the backdrop for the dramatic presentation Choose a wetland community member to represent Take some time to research the community member that you chose - what does it look like; how does it sound; how does it move; what does it do, etc. Now it s time to make yourself a mask that will look like your community member - be creative! The teacher/leader or a group of students prepare and deliver a dialogue of who s who in the wetland or use the sample dialogue that is provided for you. Take your place throughout the wetland- sit, stand, or lay quietly as each community member is mentioned, until the teacher/leader calls out your role. Now it s your turn - create a sound or appropriate movement to express identity within the wetland. The dialogue might start out as. Dawn in the wetland - each species can be called upon to wake up and to sing their song of thanks. Plant species wave their branches or leaves. See the suggested dialogue One Morning in Our Wetland or create your own) 145
3. JOURNAL REFLECTION Respond to the following reflection in your journal Why is a wetland habitat so important for our clan animals? How many members leave before the community is no longer a community? How can we help to re-build a diverse community of living things in a wetland? In the living wetland diorama, I was a. This is how I interpreted my role Create a suitable symbol to attach to the cover of your journal or duotang to show that you have completed this challenge. As a class, decide upon a suitable symbol to use to cover the 5th scute on the turtle shell poster. one step more Did you learn something that made you want to do more? 1. Sculpt a critter Choose 1 card from the Wetland Neighbours and Friends cards. Prepare a paper sculpture of the creature on the card - your sculpture will become part of a class diorama, a bulletin board display or a table display of a healthy and diverse wetland community. 2. Wetland Poster Create a wetland poster and try to include as many plants and animals as you can to show how biodiversity in a wetland is important and healthy. Think of a good title for your work. When you have completed the poster, bring it to the band office or to your municipal office. Ask the receptionist to put the poster where people will see it and think about it. 146
One Morning in our Wetland A living diorama The sky in the east was beginning to lighten as beedabahn, the morning star guided the sun into the sky. The world of the marsh was about to awake as each member of Creation joined together to greet the new day and to give thanks and gratefulness. As the sun s early morning rays peaked over the horizon they touched the bark of a birch tree that grew along the shore of the marsh. The birch tree s bark glowed in the early morning light as the tree s cells stretched and warmed to the energy from the sun. The tree gently started to sway as a tiny breeze began to dance across the water surface of the marsh. The water rippled as the breeze caressed it. The ripples seemed to wake up some of the water creatures who lived within the wetland. A dragonfly nymph scurried along the bottom of the pond, looking for some shelter from the light. A school of minnows scooted along the sunken log searching for bits of breakfast. The little black toad tadpoles wriggled in the shallows near the edge of the pond. A leopard frog peeked out from under a lily pad. It quietly hopped up onto the lily pad, and began to sing a morning song. From the cattail plants the male red-winged blackbirds opened their eyes and began to stir. They perched on the stems of the cattails and began to sing their welcoming song of thanksgiving. A chickadee called a good morning to all of Creation from the upper branches of the birch tree as it searched for seeds in the peeled bark. The raccoon had been out hunting all night long and it was getting tired. As the early morning sun touched the fur on its back, the raccoon turned to face the sun, blinked its eyes, and walked into the denser trees around the wetland, looking for a hollow tree to sleep within. 147
A large moose carefully walked down from the forest to the edge of the wetland, looking for a morning drink. As the sun s rays touched its head, the moose called out a greeting to the sun and to all other creatures in the neighbourhood. Then the moose put its nose deep into the clean cool water of the pond and began to quench its thirst. The noisy bluejays awoke and flew over the water and the trees, calling out to everything in their loud voices as they showed their gratitude for another day. They landed near the moose and watched as it stood in the shallow edge of the pond. The sound of the moose having a drink raised the curiosity of the little mink that lived under the tree roots near the edge of the pond. The mink slipped out of its den and began to journey around its territory, sniffing and watching for signs of breakfast. It looked up at the morning light and gave a quiet cry of thanks. 148
Deeper in the pond the beaver family had just finished their work on a poplar tree and as the early morning sun shone its rays onto the pond surface, the beavers swam back to their lodge to sleep, eat and clean their fur. The young kits mewed a hello to the sun before they disappeared under the water, smacking their tails to all. As the rays of the rising sun reached the old tree trunk that had fallen into the pond, an old snapping turtle climbed up onto the trunk to bask in the sun. Old turtle turned its head towards the rising sun and seemed to smile in gratitude for the return of the warmth the sun provided so the turtle would be able to move around quickly enough to catch its morning food. In the thicket by the edge of the pond, the little warblers and wrens stirred from their nests. Each one raised its voice in a chorus of song as it flew up into the morning sky, dancing in the tiny breeze. From the top of the dead elm tree the heron stretched its long neck and legs. It soared out over the pond squawking a hello to everything in the wetland and then landed in the shallows, looking for some minnows for its breakfast. Mukwa, the black bear ambled down from the forest to drink at the pond, growling and grunting a morning greeting before turning over the large stones and rocks searching for ants and grubs. 149
At the far edge of the pond the ghostly shape of a barred owl could be seen as it climbed close to the trunk of the cedar tree. With a who-who-who-who the owl cuddled up to the trunk of the tree along a wide branch, preparing for a long sleep while the sun walked across the sky. From behind the cedar tree, a grey and brown shape appeared as if by magic as the wolf padded on silent feet. It sat down under the tree and peered down at the pond. Then it raised its voice in a single howl in honour of the new day, and it was gone, disappearing into the shadows behind the cedars. The little red squirrel ran here and there through the branches of the shrubs and trees along the edge of the wetland, chattering to one and all as it searched for seeds and nuts. 150
The front door opened on the little house that sat just up in the woods above the pond and the wetland. From the house came the woman and the man and their two children. They carried tobacco with them and their smudge bowl. When they arrived at the edge of the water, their voices and thoughts joined with those of the plants and animals as everything and everyone spoke the words of greeting and gratefulness for a new day and a new beginning. The sun seemed to shine a little brighter. High up in the sky, an eagle soared - watching, listening, and remembering. The eagle circled higher and higher, called out once, and disappeared into the bright blue sky as it took its message to the Creator - another beautiful day on Turtle Island had begun. 151
Student Worksheet 5a - anishinaabe Illustrate each clan in your Nation. Create a diorama or a wetland environment for the clan animals. Can you fit them all into your picture? - Originally 21 clans My Nation s Clans : Anishinaabe Moozwaanowe group - Hunters, Scouts, Gatherers of food Moose, deer, caribou (north),elk,stag, beaver, marten, muskrat, porcupine, raccoon, rabbit, mink, and fox. wawaazisii group - Teaching and Healing Sturgeon, bullhead, snapping turtle, mud turtle, painted turtle snake, black snake, rattle snake, frog, otter, merman, catfish, whitefish, sucker, pike, and crab. Nooke group - Defense and Healing Bear, lynx, and wolf. Baswenaazhi group - Communication and Leadership Crane, loon, thunderbird, hawk, bald eagle, golden eagle, sparrowhawk, and black hawk. Aan aawenh group - Communication within council fire; Cosmestic issues Loon, wild goose, pintail, turkey, black duck, gull, snipe, heron, pelican, kingfisher, crow, raven, and grouse. Today 7 major clan groupings Crane, Loon, Fish, Bear, Hoof, Marten, and Bird 152
Student Worksheet Colouring Page 153
Student Worksheet Colouring Page 154
Student Worksheet Illustrate each clan in your nation. 5b - haudenosaunee MOHAWK bear turtle wolf ONEIDA bear turtle wolf tuscarora wolf bear turtle snipe deer beaver eel My Nation s Clans: Haudenosaunee ONONDAGA wolf bear turtle snipe deer beaver hawk eel CAYUGA wolf bear turtle snipe heron SENECA bear turtle wolf 155
Wetland Neighbours and Friends cards BACK OF CARDS SUN Source of energy and light; Connected to all living things Black capped chickadee Small seed-eater; nests in shrubs near water; eggs eaten by raccoon, blue-jay Snapping turtle Communicates with all animals and plants in wetland; eats minnows; crayfish; dragonflies; carrion WHITE BIRCH TREE Grows along shore; roots hold soil; medicine tree; bark used for mukuks, canoes, wigwam, sacred tree Dragonfly nymph Large insect found on bottom of pond; likes clean water; eats many other bugs in the pond Leopard frog Spotted yellow and green; eats mosquitos, blackflies; eaten by fox, raccoon, otter Toad tadpole Black; grow quickly as water warms up; eat algae; eaten by fish, turtles Water lily Fragrant flower; eaten by moose; medicine plant (root); nectar for bee Minnow Likes clean water; eats water plants; eaten by turtle, raccoon, otter Cattail Grows along edge of water; food for birds and beetles; home for blackbird and marsh wren 156
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Wetland Neighbours and Friends cards BACK OF CARDS Red-winged blackbird First bird of the spring; eats flying insects and seeds; lives in cattail marsh; home for many animals Blue-jay Alerts all animals to presence of danger; eats seeds, bugs and baby birds; eaten by fox; raccoon; Raccoon Nocturnal hunter; eats clams; crayfish; bird eggs; needs clean water to wash food Mink Small and quick; eats frogs; snails; minnows; berries; eaten by wolf; otter Moose (mooz) Largest mammal in wetland; eats water plants and lily roots; eaten by man and wolf Beaver (amik) Builds ponds and dams flowing water; eats poplar, birch; eaten by wolf; teaches us to be good parent Water Must be clean and flowing slowly; source of life for all animals and plants Balsam Poplar Grows along waterways; medicine (buds and bark); eaten by beaver; shades water Mishomis (rocks) and soil Surround wetland; nourish plants; home for small bugs; basking site for turtle, frog Marsh wren Small bird; Nests in cattails;eats flying insects and beetles; migrates in fall; alerts animals to danger 158
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Wetland Neighbours and Friends cards BACK OF CARDS Great blue heron Tallest bird in wetland; nests in dead trees; eats frogs, minnows; good hunter Black Bear (Mukwa) Knows all medicine plants in wetland; eats ants, grubs, berries; carrion; Black Ant Lives in soil around wetland; eats fruits, plants; stores food for winter; hard worker; teaches cooperation Barred Owl Lives in pines near wetland; hunts at night; eats mice, voles, rabbits; young birds Wind (nodin) Brings fresh air to wetland plants and animals; helps move water; carries seeds and insects in air Gray Wolf (maengan) Large hunter that eats small 4-leggeds and frogs, clams, snakes; needs clean water; Red Squirrel Chatty and quick; eats seeds, mushrooms, plants; stores food for winter; eaten by owl, fox, wolf Bald Eagle (migizi) Messenger to all plants and animals; eats dead fish and cleans shore; lives in dead trees Spice Bush Shrub grows around wetland; berries eaten by mice; moose; squirrels; birds; medicine plant Cottontail Rabbit (wapoos) In meadows around wetlands; eats spice bush; blueberry; plants; eaten by fox; wolf; hawk; alert to danger 160
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Wetland Neighbours and Friends cards BACK OF CARDS Sweet Flag (whee-kay) Grows along shoreline; medicine (rat root); eaten by moose, muskrat; needs clean water to grow Red Maple (ininaatig) First tree to wake up in spring; seeds eaten by squirrel; mice; birds; gives sap for maple syrup and medicine; Garter Snake In meadows around wetlands; eats mice; frogs; beetles; eaten by fox; wolf; mink Bunchberry Grows around the wetland; Small white flower and red berry; eaten by birds, mice; medicine (root) Blueberry Bushes grow around wetlands; berries eaten by 4-leggeds and flyers; leaves and twigs are medicine Pond Snail In water; eats algae and dead plants; eaten by raccoon; mink; otter; fish; Cleans the water Otter Eats crayfish; snails; minnows; tadpoles; teaches us to play and be joyful Fingernail clam Filters and cleans water in wetlands; eaten by raccoon; mink; turtle Blackfly Lays eggs in moving water; pollinates blueberries and other flowering plants; eaten by birds; frogs; turtles Mosquito Larva Live in calm water; food for fish; frogs; dragonfly nymphs; ducks; eat algae; 162
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Wetland Neighbours and Friends cards BACK OF CARDS Painted Turtle Eats bugs; tadpoles; mosquito larvae; basks on logs and rocks; needs clean water to live; lays eggs in gravel, sand Bumblebee Lives underground in meadow near wetland; pollinates flowers; makes honey; eaten by birds Wood Duck Nests in hollow trees in wetland; eats water bugs; plants; tadpoles; ducklings eaten by pike, mink, fox Yellow-spotted salamander Lives under logs and rocks near edge of wetland; eats worms; small insects; eaten by mink; fox; otter; rarely seen Crayfish Lives in water around rocks; eats minnows, mosquito larvae; bugs; eaten by birds, raccoons; mink; otter Porcupine Lives in forest near wetlands; eats bark; eaten by fisher; teaches us patience and kindness Black Ash Prefers wet places; grows slow; seeds eaten by squirrels; birds; used for baskets; branches for nesting Red Fox Makes den and raises young near wetland; eats rabbits; mice; crayfish; clams; frogs; needs clean water 164
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